Description
This Pepper Steak recipe features tender slices of flank steak stir-fried with colorful bell peppers and onions in a savory soy-based sauce. Enhanced with garlic, ginger, and optional oyster sauce, this quick and flavorful Asian-American dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner and pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
Cooking and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
Garnishes (Optional)
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a medium bowl, toss the thinly sliced steak with the low-sodium soy sauce and cornstarch until evenly coated. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate and the cornstarch to help create a velvety sauce later.
- Cook the Steak: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated steak in a single layer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until the beef is browned and just cooked through. Remove the steak from the pan and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Toss in the sliced bell peppers and onion, sautéing for 4 to 5 minutes until they become tender-crisp and retain some crunch.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger into the vegetable mixture, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant and aromatic.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked beef to the pan with the vegetables. Add oyster sauce if using, black pepper, and beef broth or water. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the steak to reheat thoroughly.
- Optional Finishing Touch: Drizzle with sesame oil for added depth of flavor. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, incorporate crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of chili garlic sauce into the stir-fry.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed white or brown rice, noodles, or for a low-carb alternative, cauliflower rice.
- If using oyster sauce, be mindful of additional salt content to adjust seasoning accordingly.
- Cutting the steak thinly against the grain ensures the meat remains tender when cooked quickly.
